Even no win, no fee solicitors should dress down during a heatwave

29/06/2009

It may only seem like yesterday that we were all complaining about the cold and miserable weather, but, with a 90F heatwave due next week, the Met Office has already issued a health warning. While this might be good news for those lucky enough to be enjoying a bit of beachside repose, for many others in Britain, namely those who have no choice but to go to work, it is going to present a challenge. And yes, even no win, no fee solicitors feel the heat. Just think of those long trips to court carrying a briefcase wearing a shirt, suit and tie; never likely to be comfortable.

In fact, a heatwave poses accident risks across all walks of life. Heat fatigue can have some serious consequences on the road and whenever there is a prolonged period of hot weather in Britain there will be the inevitable spate of fatigue-related car accidents. Regardless of whether they are serious motorway accidents or relatively minor inner-city whiplash injury incidents, we should be reminded that of importance of caution.

And driver fatigue is not the only cause of heatwave-related road accidents. In the event temperature reach 90F for several successive days road buckling can occur. Although it might not be a typical hazard of British summers, if Met Office predictions are anything to go by, it may yet be this year.

Then there is the workplace accident danger presented by a heatwave. Inevitably, as workers become tired and disorientated in the excessive heat, they are at much greater risk of suffering personal injury. This is something reported by workers themselves and tends to be supported by the experiences of most no win, no fee solicitors who specialise in workplace litigation.

And there is bad news even for those of us lucky enough to be enjoying the quintessential British seaside break. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents reports that during a heatwave there is usually a rise in the number of drownings, particularly those that involve young men and alcohol.

Hospitals, too, must be careful, as vulnerable and fragile patients risk becoming overheated. In response, the Government's emergency heatwave plan proposes that "cool rooms" be set up during the next week in order to provide patients with a bit of refuge from the infernal heat. Additionally, there also fears that swine flu could prosper in overworked hospital ventilation systems.

It seems that even at home, the risk of heatwave-related injury remains. A Department of Health spokesperson advises, "Keeping the home as cool as possible during hot weather and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential.

"The elderly and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during hot weather and the most oppressive conditions occur in our towns and cities."

As ever, in a heatwave it is also a good idea to wear cool and loose-fitting clothing, even if you are a no win, no fee solicitor .

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